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How Long Does a Design Project Take?


We know that planning your life around an interior design project in your home can be quite daunting and overwhelming, especially when there is construction involved and you are relying on multiple people and trades to complete your project!


At Patti Wilson Design, we start every project with an in-home consultation so we can understand your needs and current design challenges, prepare a detailed scope of work, budget estimate, and anticipated timeline so you know exactly how long to expect your project to take.


In this blog, I will go over the timelines for a typical design + renovation project and furnishing + styling project so you can prepare yourself and schedule accordingly, if you are considering us for your next project.


 

Our Signature Service

Design Build + Project Management


With our signature turnkey concierge service, we will handle your entire new build or renovation project from start to finish. Having aligned ourselves with Ontario’s most skilled and professional contractors, builders, craftsmen, and tradespeople, we remove all the research, stress and overwhelm that goes with managing a project on your own, and become your single point of contact for an effortlessly unified, full service team.


Each phase of the project is handled in-house. In this service we take care of:


  • Producing a detailed scope of work

  • Assembling an expert team of professional contractors and sub-trades

  • Filing permits and collaborating with structural engineers

  • Creating a bespoke design with elevations and renderings so you can see what is possible for your home

  • Managing the budget

  • Coordinating and overseeing the work being done

  • Supervising the site and troubleshooting as needed for a flawless end result

  • Furnishing and styling the completed space

  • Making sure everything is perfect and your punch list is completed in a timely fashion once you are living in the space


This holistic approach results in a seamless, stress-free process to realizing the vision for your home, with no detail left unturned.


While each phase of the process is dependent on the size and scope of each project, typically we see the permitting, drawings, and design phase taking approximately 3-5 months. Once the design is approved and we move into the ordering and construction phase, that can take anywhere from 4-6 months or longer. The visual below provides a high level overview of our Design Build + Project Management process and the length of each phase.

Typical Design Build + Project Management Timeline Total: 9 months

(Dependent on current world conditions and scope of project)

 

Carefully Curated and Styled

Furnishings + Styling


With our Furnishings + Styling service, intended for homes with good bones but in need of that final touch, we thoughtfully craft a bespoke design to suit your space, aesthetic, and lifestyle. We then source and purchase all your home accessories, art and area rugs, furnishings, and soft goods from our exclusive network of trusted retailers, talented artisans, and accomplished craftsmen. We make sure the final look comes together beautifully, with each accent pillow fluffed and piece of artwork or decor displayed before the big reveal.


Each phase of the project is handled by our talented design team. In this service we take care of:


  • Measuring your space and preparing furniture plans based on your lifestyle and needs

  • Creating a bespoke design with elevations and renderings so you can see what is possible for your home

  • Coordinating and overseeing any cosmetic work we recommend for your space, like wallpaper, window treatments, custom upholstery, or custom built ins

  • Checking in with our trades to make sure everything is perfect

  • Placing, tracking, and checking orders to ensure everything arrives for your installation

  • Purchasing accessories and decor to complete your space

  • Being on site on your installation day to oversee all the moving parts and style each room

  • Welcoming you back into your completed space so you can enjoy a big reveal!


While each phase of the process is dependent on the size and scope of how many rooms we are designing, typically we see the design phase and receipt of orders taking between 10-22 weeks. The visual below provides a high level overview of our Furnishings + Styling process and the length of each phase.


Typical Furnishing + Styling Timeline Total: 6 months

(Dependent on current world conditions and scope of project)

 

Our Process

A look into what our interior design process looks like at every phase


SITE MEASUREMENT (2-3 hours):

We start every project off with a formal site measure so we can collect measurements and take pictures of existing furnishings that will be reused, windows, entrances, and spaces that are a part of the scope of work. This is how we prepare furniture layouts.


CLIENT ONBOARDING MEETING (1 hour):

During our client onboarding meeting, we will spend time getting to know you, your interests, and how you live to create a thoughtful and functional design reflective of your personality and aesthetic. At the end of this meeting, we will have a clear understanding of your wants and needs and an aesthetic direction that feels authentic to you.


CONCEPT DESIGN (4-12 weeks):

During the Conceptual Design phase, our team begins to dig into the details. We create initial conceptual layouts, elevation drawings and inspiration boards to communicate our vision for your space. This phase also helps to confirm we are on the right track, aesthetically, and provide us with the opportunity to present you with a proposed investment for your project.


DETAILED DESIGN (4-8 weeks):

Once the aesthetic direction, project scope, and budget have been confirmed, we then source and select the exact materials, finishes, and furnishings for your Detailed Design presentation meeting. 3-D renderings will help you to visualize your space so you can see exactly what we are envisioning for your home. These renderings prevent costly mistakes or regrets, allowing you to make decisions with confidence.


PURCHASING & EXECUTION (12-20 weeks):

Once the designs, materials and finishes have been approved, we will order and manage the tracking, expediting and quality control of your items. We also coordinate all the details required for execution, including scheduling, delivery and installation of your furnishings and soft goods, ensuring your entire project is implemented and completed on time and on budget.


CONSTRUCTION *IF APPLICABLE* (4-6 months, or longer):

Once all of the designs, budget, and scope of work have been approved, we will begin scheduling your project for construction. We always let you know how to prepare for any work being done in your home..


Once construction begins on your project you’ll benefit from continuous professional supervision during weekly site visits. You will also receive a weekly Friday update so you always know what’s happening during the phase of construction.


INSTALLATION & REVEAL (1-3 days):

The finishing touches bring the design to life! Installation day is the day each carefully collected item comes together to create your gorgeous finished space – rugs positioned, linens steamed, window treatments installed, furniture arranged, art hung, and decor styled. The big reveal – this is the moment that brings as much joy and celebration to you as it does to us. A moment to discover, celebrate, and enjoy your new home!


 

TAKEAWAY: Planning a design project can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be! Here at PWD, design is what we love to do and we have a number of services available to meet your project needs, from new construction, to renovation project management, to furnishing and accessorizing your home. Our team would love to guide you through the design process and help make your dream home become your reality.


If you would like more resources like this, please visit our website to subscribe to our email list to gain exclusive access to our latest projects and design tips, plus what we are loving lately – books, recipes, artisan goods, and more!


If you are contemplating a renovation or interior design project, please fill out our design inquiry, so we can begin the conversation. We would love to hear from you!




xo

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